But this was seen at once to be clearly impossible.
They could not hope to successfully fight their way through the crowd of people. Moreover, a thrilling danger now confronted the fugitives.
The three trained tigers from whom Frank and Pomp had so narrowly escaped were gamboling in the court-yard.
If they should chance to catch sight of young Buckden and Barney the result would not be pleasant for them.
Clearly the safest way for the two adventurers was to steal out of the place and gain the forest beyond.
Then they might trust to luck in rejoining the Steam Man. Certainly it was the best method to pursue.
This Buckden at once proceeded to do. He led the way boldly across the court-yard and to a wall at its extremity.
Fortune favored them, and they reached the wall in safety.
Vaulting it, they dashed into the forest.
Once among the thick undergrowth they were safe, at least for the time.